Senegalese Knife

[Miguel]

Hi Everyone,
Thought you may be interested in this small unusual design of knife,(O/L 11.5ins x blade length 6.5ins x blade width 0.75ins) and would welcome any comments you may have particularly its age.
Miguel

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Hi Everyone,
Thought you may be interested in this small unusual design of knife,(O/L 11.5ins x blade length 6.5ins x blade width 0.75ins) and would welcome any comments you may have particularly its age.
Miguel


Salaams Miguel, These are very distinct and attractive daggers with obvious tribal markings in the Senegalese geometrical style (as you note) Please see # 13 of http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14671&highlight=senegal+dagger for similar form.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Battara]

This may show my ignorance, but the designs remind me of Tuareg designs. Is there contact between Senegal and the Tuareg?

[Miguel]

Salaams Miguel, These are very distinct and attractive daggers with obvious tribal markings in the Senegalese geometrical style (as you note) Please see # 13 of http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=14671&highlight=senegal+dagger for similar form.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.
Hi Ibrahiim,
Thanks for the link it made interesting reading and shows the similarity of style used by different peoples. I understood that this style was influenced by the Renaissance and contact with the Portuguese traders at that time from 1500s onwards, see Springs African Arms and Armour.
Regards
Miguel

[Miguel]

This may show my ignorance, but the designs remind me of Tuareg designs. Is there contact between Senegal and the Tuareg?
Hi Battara,
Yes they are sometimes mistaken for Tuareg or Manding. I think it is due to Traders and people movement. Springs book has an interesting paragraph and photos which show the differences. I suggest you explore the link that Abrahiim kindly gave me.
Miguel